BroadVision To Release Content-Management ToolBroadVision To Release Content-Management Tool

BroadVision Inc., struggling from the combination blows of the dot-com bust and a slowdown in corporate spending, is hoping to convince businesses to loosen the purse strings for a new content-management product. It plans to release by the end of the year One-to-One Content 6.0, which includes a new document workflow engine and an XML-base repository that lets the software deliver content in multiple formats, including HTML, Word or PDF. Pricing wasn't released.

The company has found itself up against the ropes after last year's many Internet startup failures led to a drop-off in demand for its ready-to-go E-commerce applications. BroadVision officials hope companies will use its content-management and portal-building tools to run on top of software from infrastructure vendors such as IBM and BEA Systems Inc. "We're paying close attention and are engaged with IBM and BEA to see what pieces emerge in the (infrastructure) portal space that we can leverage," says Bill Zujewski, VP of product marketing.

The failure of Internet startups to turn the Web into a huge shopping mall forced BroadVision to modify its E-commerce software to meet the online needs of value-added resellers and distributors. However, the company has won a following with products that help run the Web sites of Sears, Wal-Mart, and Home Depot. Nevertheless, plummeting revenue forced BroadVision to layoff about 1,000 workers this year and close offices. The company reported a loss of $429.4 million in the third quarter, ended Sept. 30, compared with a loss of $52.8 million during the same period a year ago.